James Shield

Andy Butler has quashed rumours of a fall-out with Sheffield United manager Nigel Clough after rejoining Walsall on loan.

And the centre-half, speaking for the first time about his failure to command a starting role at Bramall Lane, revealed he has not given-up hope of forcing himself back into the former England international’s plans later this term.

Butler, who arrived at United during the close season following a four year spell with Dean Smith’s side, said: “It’s been tough because I’ve gone from playing every week here to playing once. But that’s football.

“I have been in the game long enough to know it is just a game of opinions. If the gaffer thinks there is someone else better than you that is all that matters.

“I work hard in training and you try and change his mind but obviously if the lads are performing on the pitch, which they have started to do in the last few games, you can’t drop them. It’s up to him to pick the team.”

Butler, who has signed a month long agreement with Walsall, added: “That is all it is at the moment. Then we will see where it is.

“If I’m doing well hopefully we might do the same again but that is down to Sheffield United and Walsall. We will see how things go.

“The next time I go back to Sheffield United I might play so it is one of those things. Hopefully this arrangement works out best for both parties and we both get good results from it. I am a Sheffield United player but we will see how it goes.

“I want to play games, that is what I want to do. When you are a football player, not playing it is disheartening.

“I was more than happy to come here. I know the place inside out and hopefully the (Walsall) fans can forgive me for leaving. I know the players so hopefully I can just slide into the formation a little bit.”

United return to League One action against Rochdale tomorrow hoping to stretch their unbeaten run to five games. Butler, meanwhile, is expected to feature for Walsall when they face Preston North End.

“I was in Meadowhall and I got a phonecall off Sheffield United saying Walsall have come in for a loan move,” he said. “I knew there had been rumours but I have not spoken to anyone at the club.

“Rumours are rumours, you get them everywhere. They said Walsall had come in and they had accepted the offer so just come in and sign some papers which I did.”